I am also appreciative of the method by which the lessons were taught. As a person who loves music, that of the Caribbean, I was quite entertained by the music videos included at the beginning of each plenaries. Furthermore, the fact that the lectures and tutorials were online made it easier and more bearable to attend. In terms of actual learning material, I appreciate how this course has not only taught me about the Caribbean, but also how to apply what was learnt to society and observe how the Caribbean was forged (especially by its history), and how to analyse society and form my own opinions and about the Caribbean, its past and its present. 

To conclude, I viewed this course as an enjoyable and enlightening one. The knowledge I have obtained will be useful for me in prospect, not necessarily academically, but in everyday life.

Carnival Monday morning the streets and the sea of people in it are covered in mud and oil paint in an event called “J’ouvert”. The term “J’ouvert” means “break of day” and is reflective of the Camboulay as they both begin quite early in the morning. Paint and mud plastered all over the bodies and faces of participants are also reminiscent of the African Slaves mimicry of the white masters. Another procession on this day is “Ole Mas” which consists of persons dressed in old, usually tattered clothing, carrying placards displaying puns and comical commentary of social and political issues. This practice is truly congruent with the satire displayed by the slaves against the planters. 

The picture shown is an image of a friend and myself during J'ouvert 2016. 

Both days are characterised by loud, fast-paced music, heavy gyration, and a huge display of freedom. Persons of many different races, ethnicities, nationalities, and backgrounds come out to enjoy in a time where one can simply let loose and enjoy oneself. However, most people seem to lose sight of the origins and traditions of Carnival. The most popular portions of Carnival are J’ouvert and Mas, and less people, especially of the younger generation take part in the traditional events such as stick fighting and dressing in costumes that are intended to portray a message. Modern Carnival is now basically a show to attract tourists and over the years, has deviated from its origins increasingly. While there are those who do participate in the traditional practices of Carnival, the appreciation and knowledge of the practices has diminished. Carnival is moving closer to a tourist commodity and less of a historical tradition (Garth 2002, 2007). 

The image features and exuberant display of masqueraders parading in Port of Spain (2006).